Understanding how immune responses affect eye inflammation in autoimmune uveitis
Official title: Regulation of the neuroinflammatory response in autoimmune uveitis
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-10744201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the eye might be causing problems in people with autoimmune uveitis, which can lead to vision loss, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $425,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY031291-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune uveitis or those experiencing unexplained vision problems related to immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related eye conditions or those without any ocular symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind autoimmune uveitis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the eye, leading to potential vision loss. The study focuses on the role of microglia, the immune cells in the retina, and how they contribute to the entry of harmful immune cells into the eye. By exploring the activation and function of these microglia, the research aims to uncover new insights into the disease process and identify potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and new treatment options that could arise from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for autoimmune uveitis, potentially preserving vision for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in other autoimmune conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ksander, Bruce R — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Ksander, Bruce R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adalimumab Dose Adjustment for Pediatric Uveitis in JIA
A pediatric study will test whether lowering how often kids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis–related uveitis take adalimumab can keep inflammation controlled while reducing side effects and cost.
-
Changing adalimumab dosing for children with juvenile arthritis–related eye inflammation
This project tries to see if giving lower or less frequent doses of adalimumab can keep eye inflammation under control in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
-
Systemic and topical antiviral treatment for CMV anterior uveitis (STACCATO)
A new NIH-supported effort will test how well oral and eye-applied antiviral medicines control CMV-related anterior uveitis in affected patients.
-
Systemic and topical antiviral treatment for CMV anterior uveitis in patients
A patient-friendly look at using antiviral medicines to treat CMV-related eye inflammation and protect vision.
-
Systemic and topical antiviral treatment for CMV anterior uveitis
This project tests how oral and eye-drop antiviral medicines can help prevent vision loss from CMV-related eye inflammation in people with anterior uveitis.
-
Systemic and topical antiviral control of CMV anterior uveitis: TreatmentOutcomes
A patient-focused look at how CMV eye inflammation in adults could be treated with pills, eye drops, or other strategies to prevent vision loss.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.